Kimberley Barber

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Teams will compete for the crown of Wheelchair Laser Tag champion at Fareham Leisure Centre in the largest tournament of its kind.

The event is being held to raise money for Blesma — a charity that supports servicemen and women who have lost limbs and the use of limbs.

At the forefront of this fundraising event is Richard Hunt, from Fareham, who hopes to become the first above-knee amputee to kayak around Britain – a distance of about 2,300 miles – in April.

Royal Navy veteran Richard, pictured, lost his leg at the age of 24 due to complications following a knee operation.

He discovered wheelchair laser tag at an event held in Gosport last September.

Richard, 43, said: ‘I went along to a wheelchair laser tag event and my eight-year old son took part and enjoyed it.

‘I thought it would be a good way to raise money for Blesma.

‘The charity gave me the confidence, through its sports rehabilitation programme, to take control of my life again.

‘The tournament is going to be brilliant.

‘It’s something different, something new and something that everyone, able or disabled, can take part in.’

This event will be the largest ever wheelchair laser tag tournament, and inventor Gary Byrne, from Gosport, hopes it could see the sport take off.

Gary has spina bifida and invented the sport after becoming frustrated about not being able to take part in laser tag and paintball.

Gary, 44, said: ‘Wheelchair laser tag is totally inclusive.

‘You can play whether you are in a powered chair or in a wheelchair.

‘Everyone competes at the same level, old or young, and as we provide wheelchairs anybody can play.

‘We are still looking for teams for the tournament, so any companies, schools, groups or charities are welcome to come along.’

Teams of six will compete for the winning title.

The last team with a member not hit after a five-minute match will go through to the next round, until just one victor remains.

Not only will there be wheelchair laser tag on the day, there will be charity stalls, a live broadcast from Express FM, a guest appearance from The Stig and professional wrestlers Flatliner and Little Legs will be signing posters.

The tournament kicks off at the leisure centre on Saturday, January 18 at 10am.